Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Jacksonville is 6% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,375/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 8%
$66,981/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 17%
$266,100 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 2%
$1,324/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 6%
961,739
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $11,448/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $11,448/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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